Craving fall vibes? Make this pumpkin cheesecake ice cream in your Ninja Creami. It’s perfectly spiced and hiding extra protein – a win-win this season!

A plastic cup filled with creamy pumpkin protein ice cream, crowned with a swirl of whipped cream and sprinkled with crumbled cookies. Reminiscent of a ninja creami recipe, the cup sits on a wooden surface scattered with cookie crumbs.

Whip up this fall favorite at home! This thick, creamy protein-packed treat is loaded with cozy pumpkin spice and rich cheesecake flavor.

Who doesn’t love a good pumpkin spice recipe?! We are clearly huge fans around here! Just look at these Starbucks pumpkin muffins, pumpkin pie cheesecake or these pumpkin pie twists for example.

That’s why this pumpkin cheesecake protein ice cream has quickly become our favorite frozen dessert! Perfect for those with a sweet tooth who are looking to add a little protein to their diet.

Too busy to make this right away? Pin it for later! Pin this post to your favorite board on Pinterest and it will be there when you’re ready!

A creamy pumpkin ice cream in a clear pint, topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with crushed cookies. It sits on a wooden surface with crumbs scattered around.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s high in protein, thanks to the protein shake and cottage cheese, but still has that indulgent cheesecake flavor. Plus, it’s super easy to make with the Ninja Creami ice cream maker!

A spoonful of creamy, pumpkin protein ice cream is held above a bowl. The bowl contains the same ice cream, topped with dollops of whipped cream and crushed cookie bits on a wooden surface.

If you’ve got teenage boys like me, you know the snack struggle is real – endless hunger, constant fridge raids, and a never-ending need for protein. Between sports, school, and nonstop growth spurts, they eat like it’s their full-time job!

That’s why this pumpkin cheesecake Ninja Creami is a game-changer—it tastes like a dreamy autumn dessert but secretly packs a protein punch to keep them fueled!

Four bowls on a wooden surface: large bowl with white liquid, medium bowl with whipped mixture, small bowl with white powder, and smallest bowl with amber liquid.

Ingredients

Let’s start with a few simple ingredients from the grocery store.

Vanilla Premier Protein shake – this protein-packed shake gives a creamy base without needing heavy cream.
Cottage cheese, blended – I like to use Dairyland 4% cottage cheese. It gives this ice cream that signature cheesecake tang when blended smooth.
Pumpkin pie filling – gives the perfect blend of spice and sweetness to this recipe.
Cheesecake instant pudding mix – this is used to help thicken the ice cream. You can easily swap the cheesecake flavour for a box of vanilla flavoured powder.
Pure vanilla extract – vanilla enhances the overall sweetness and depth of flavor.

Mix ins:

Graham crackers, crumbled – the classic cheesecake crust element, giving a little crunch and flavor.

A plastic container filled with a frothy, pumpkin mixture, on a wooden surface. Bubbles are visible on the surface of the drink.

Instructions

1. Combine the first five ingredients into the Ninja Creami pint container, use an immersion blender to blend until smooth.

2. Freeze the container on a flat, level surface for 24 hours or until frozen solid.

3. Remove from the Ninja Creami container from the freezer, run it under hot water for 30 seconds or leave it on the counter for 10-15 minutes and take off the lid.

A ninja creami cup viewed from above contains a frothy orange mixture. Its placed on a light wooden surface, with part of the lid visible, showing the words ALIGN in white text.

4. Place the container into the outer bowl of the Ninja Creami, then lock the outer bowl lid into place.

5. Secure the outer bowl into the Ninja Creami machine. Press the Lite Ice Cream button and allow the cycle to complete.

6. Remove the outer bowl lid. If the ice cream is still powdery after the first spin, then add it back to the machine and press the Re-spin button.

7. Make a small hole in the center of the ice cream, add half of the graham crumbs. Mix again using the Mix-in button.

A glass bowl filled with a creamy, light brown dessert, reminiscent of a deconstructed raspberry cheesecake, sprinkled with crumbled cookies. More cookie crumbs are scattered across the wooden surface surrounding the bowl.

8. Top with graham cracker crumbs and whipping cream. Enjoy!

A creamy pumpkin protein ice cream in a clear cup topped with whipped cream, crumbled graham crackers, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. A golden spoon is sticking out of the dessert, resembling a raspberry cheesecake delight. Crushed crackers are scattered on the wooden surface around the cup.

Tips & Tricks

Want ultra-creamy ice cream? Add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum before freezing to maintain texture. This can be used in the place of pudding mix as a low carb alternative.
Chop mix-ins into small pieces so they distribute evenly and blend smoothly.
Place the pint on a flat surface in your freezer to prevent freezing at an angle.
If the ice cream is too hard, use the Re-spin function for a softer consistency.
Let the frozen pint sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes or run under hot water for 30 seconds before spinning to prevent icy chunks.
If a dome forms on top while freezing, scrape off any excess before spinning to protect your blades.
If you’re looking to reduce sugar content, consider using natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup for a different flavor profile.

Be sure to check out my Guide to Perfect Ninja Creami Recipes where I share more in-depth details!

A close-up of a spoonful of creamy, light orange dessert being lifted from a cup evokes the delightful sensation of a ninja creami recipe. Topped with fluffy whipped cream and sprinkled with crumbs, the silver spoon contrasts beautifully against the MAX FILL marked cup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use a protein shake?

Nope! You can substitute with almond milk, 2% whole milk or even vanilla protein powder mixed with a non-dairy milk alternative like oat milk, coconut milk or soy milk.

What can I substitute for the cottage cheese?

While the cottage cheese really gives this recipe that creamy texture of cheesecake, you can add a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese in its place. You could also try 1:1 substituting Greek yogurt.

Can I add different mix-ins?

Of course! Dark chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, or chopped nuts would be yummy additions.

How should I store leftovers?

Flatten the top of the ice cream mixture before refreezing in the pint. If it hardens too much, reprocess it using the same mode you originally made it with.

Close-up of a creamy pumpkin cheesecake ice cream with a swirl of whipped cream on top, sprinkled with crumbs. The caramel-colored delight, partially eaten, reveals a smooth texture beneath the topping. In the background, a soft, blurred wood surface adds warmth to this Ninja Creami recipe creation.

Loving this Ninja Creami cheesecake ice cream recipe?

Try this Strawberry cheesecake protein ice cream made with fresh strawberries too!
Or this amazing blueberry cheesecake ice cream made with fresh blueberries.
You gotta have this Oreo cheesecake Ninja Creami!
Or this raspberry cheesecake Ninja Creami recipe with fresh raspberries.
And of course the classic Ninja Creami cheesecake ice cream recipe, cherry!

A creamy dessert in a cup topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. The text reads: Ice Cream Recipe Ninja Creami Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake from Homemade Heather. The background is a wooden surface.

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